Sponsored by Reps. Spencer, Stover, et al., HB707 (“The Georgia Health Care Freedom and ACA Noncompliance Act”) states that neither the State of Georgia nor any of its political subdivisions or agencies may engage in any activity that aids in the enforcement or implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, including the creation of state-run health care exchanges. The bill also provides that The Georgia General Assembly is empowered to enact sanctions, fines, penalties, or otherwise to ensure compliance with the legislation, and it authorizes the State Attorney General to bring a lawsuit in a state or local court to enjoin any person or entity from violation of the law. Finally, any health insurance contract purchased or established in violation of this legislation shall be void and shall not be enforced by the courts of this state.

Sponsored by Rep. Tanner and Sens. Stone, Miller, Jeffares, et al., and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal, HB122 (Public Act No.333) states, “The identifying information of any person or entity who participates in or administers the execution of a death sentence and the identifying information of any person or entity that manufactures, supplies, compounds, or prescribes the drugs, medical supplies, or medical equipment utilized in the execution of a death sentence shall be confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50 or under judicial process. Such information shall be classified as a confidential ‘state secret’.”

Sponsored by Reps. Benton, Allison, Dutton, Cooke, et al, HB89 (The Georgia Firearms Freedom Act) states that, “A personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Georgia and that remains within the borders of Georgia shall not be subject to federal law or regulation, including registration, under the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.” Related bill HB90 provides enforcement of the Firearms Freedom Act by providing that, “Any official, agent, or employee of the United States government who enforces or attempts to enforce any act, order, law, statute, rule, or regulation of the United States government upon a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is owned or manufactured commercially or privately in this state and that remains exclusively within the borders of this state shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be subject to imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.”

Sponsored by Reps. Battles, Epps, Talton, et al, and given early endorsement by Gov. Nathan Deal, HB 35 provides that “the board of education for each school system in this state may designate one or more administrators at each school in the school system to possess and carry firearms within a school safety zone or school building, at a school function, or on school property or on a bus or other transportation furnished by the school, including carrying such firearms concealed.”

Sponsored by Reps. Ramsey, Harden, et al., and signed into law by Gov. Deal, HB861 creates the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act, which mandates that the Georgia Dept. of Human Services shall create an established drug test to be administered to each applicant for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF). “It is the intent of the General Assembly to (1) Ensure that TANF funds are ultimately utilized for the intended purpose of alleviating the effects of poverty and are not diverted to illicit drug use (2) Protect children of poverty by ensuring such funds strengthen family life and reduce 19 the danger that illicit drugs will be introduced into the home environment.

Sponsored by Rep. Tommy Benton, and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal, HB766 broadly expands Georgia’s 2006 law HB941 that allows historical documents such as the Ten Commandments to be displayed in courthouses. HB766 broadens the 2006 law so that the Ten Commandments and other documents of historic religious significance may be displayed in public schools and public buildings.

Sponsored by Sens. Rogers, Williams, et al, and signed into law in 2006 by Gov. Sonny Perdue, SB79 provides for the offering of state funded high school courses in the History and Literature of the Old Testament Era and the History and Literature of the New Testament Era; also provides for the adoption of the curricula for such courses by the State Board of Education.

Sponsored by Rep. Tommy Benton and signed into law in 2006 by Gov. Sonny Perdue, HB941 authorizes the display of certain historical documents, including religious documents such as the Ten Commandments, as part of the foundation of American law and government. Authorizes the Attorney General to defend counties who display documents relative to the religious heritage of America.

Modeled after Arizona’s SB1070 and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2011, Georgia’s Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 requires private employers to use employment eligibility verification system, provides for the investigation of illegal alien status, and authorizes law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.